Played on Dec 27, 2025
Game Played in Numerica Veterans Arena
General Game Notes: This high scoring game featured constant back and forth action, with each period swinging momentum as both teams scored in bunches. Ultimately, it was the Wild who came out on top by taking advantage of key momentum shifts. Goaltending also played a major role for the Wild and despite the final score, the Chiefs nearly doubled them in shots, making the performance between the pipes more of a difference maker.
Nathan Mayes (D, L, 6’4″, 202, Spokane Chiefs, 06/10/2006)
Game Rating
B
Mayes demonstrated a solid two-way game, exceling in his ability to keep up with opposing players and finish their possessions before they can create time and space. This skill is a key factor in his effectiveness in his own end. In the transition game, Mayes showed value as he assisted his teammates in entering the offensive zone and carrying the puck up the ice. However, his limitations in the offensive and defensive zones were evident. He struggles to produce scoring chances on his own and lacks the necessary tools to be a dominant point producer. Additionally, his lack of a great defensive stick and good defensive instincts makes him vulnerable against top lines.
1 Viewing
Comments: Mayes was able to show tonight that he is a towering defenseman with a long reach, his size was the foundation of his defensive value. He was a strong presence in front of the net and along the boards, using his frame to separate smaller forwards from the puck, deliver heavy hits, and take away space in high traffic areas. While pure speed is an issue against quicker attackers at five on five, pairing him with a faster partner helped offset that weakness and allowed him to remain effective against the rush. If he can get some offense going with a quicker transition game, he can really change how effective he can be.
Cohen Armstrong (RW, R, 6’0″, 186, Spokane Chiefs, 05/26/2006)
Game Rating
A-
Cohen Armstrong demonstrates solid skills on the ice, showcasing his ability to control the puck effectively and make strong plays with his size. He excels at winning board battles against larger opponents, using his physicality to clear the puck from defensive zones.
1 Viewing
Comments: Armstrong scored a great goal showing patients and how quick his hands are in tight. After receiving a great feed from below the goal line, Armstrong was in the slot with a mini breakaway. He showed fake shot, pulled it to his back hand, and after the goalie bit, he had a wide open net to score tying goal at the time. He is bigger sized and has the hard to play against combination of being mobile as well. He is not the biggest player on the ice, but at times he can act like it. Driving the net and owning net front and below the goal lines is where he plays at his best.
Chase Harrington (LW, L, 6’1″, 196, Spokane Chiefs, 10/30/2007)
Game Rating
A-
Harrington showcased his skills in scoring an impressive goal, demonstrating his ability to capitalize on rebound opportunities. The goal was well-timed, and he effectively utilized his speed and momentum to release the puck over the goalie’s shoulder from the slot. Harrington’s game is characterized by a hardworking, physical approach that relies heavily on his footwork and pace. He plays with a strong, aggressive style, often using his size to outmuscle opponents and create space.
1 Viewing
Comments: Harrington was able to find scraps at the net front to tie the game up later in the first period. Harrington is a bigger body but has decent mobility allowing him to play the role of both a dynamic mobile forward as well as a net front presence with a side of physicality to his game. His goal was a good example of this, he was able to quickly get out of a scrum due to his mobile skating, attack the net and find a loose bouncing puck where he beat the goalie to the back post. Harrington has double digit goals on the year because he is not afraid to attack the net. He does not hesitate when he sees a quality opportunity, regardless of the opposing player size.
Asanali Sarkenov (RW, L, 6’3″, 211, Spokane Chiefs, 07/22/2006)
Game Rating
B-
Sarkenov demonstrated his skillset by showcasing his ability to create space and capitalize on fast breaks. His highlight-reel goal was particularly impressive, as he outmuscled his opponent and received a backdoor feed before one-timing the puck over the goalie’s shoulder. Sarkenov’s physical game is well-rounded, allowing him to win small area battles with body position. He also possesses a soft touch that helped him control the puck in tight spaces. While his playing style may not require extreme skillset changes, he consistently shows promise as a player who can make an impact on the ice.
1 Viewing
Comments: Sarkenovs inconsistency with his mobility and willing to move his feet hurts his game at times. His lack of speed limits his impact in transition, and his puck skills are really not suited for driving offense or facilitating play in the offensive zone. That said, he makes up for it with size and awareness, sealing the wall effectively and serving as a reliable, low risk outlet when his teammates are under pressure. He embraces the physical side of the game and plays with noticeable energy and competitiveness. He needs to start winning small area races to loose pucks to give himself a chance to create more offense.
Logan Wormald (C, L, 5’10”, 156, Spokane Chiefs, 08/12/2005, Nebraska Omaha)
Game Rating
A-
1 Viewing
Comments: After a nice little two on one, back door play, Wormald scored a nice goal beating the goalie to the far post. The reason why is able to get to this spot on the ice untouched is the pace that he plays with. When he is moving his feet, he is hard to catch, the and pace that he plays with his teammates have to match. He is smaller in stature so with the speed that moves the puck and his feet with, he avoids the physicality of the game, at times. Wormwald is a smaller crafty player and when he has time and space to make plays or attack the net, he is a threat so score every time.
Ethan Hughes (LW, L, 5’7″, 154, Spokane Chiefs, 08/10/2006)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Hughes was able to show that he has good size, plays strong on the puck, and brings a physical presence, especially in front of the net and along the boards. He can be effective in a variety of roles and situations, making himself useful up and down the lineup. While he is a solid complementary piece on a scoring line, he typically relies on others to generate offense rather than creating chances on his own. His support style comes from drawing players to him at the net front or in scoring areas, opening the ice for his quicker line mates. He will use that size he has to bury guys along the wall.
Josh Toll (D, L, 6’0″, 163, Wenatchee Wild, 01/05/2007, St. Thomas)
Game Rating
A-
1 Viewing
Comments: Toll does a good job at walking the blue line tonight when a lane did not present itself, he was able to create these lanes on his own with deception in his hands and his feet. His skating is what sets him apart and his ability to get the puck in his own zone and transfer it up the ice is dynamic. He is a one man breakout machine at times. He does turn the puck over at times in the offensive zone, but for as much time as he spends with it, he does a good job at possessing it. He of course has a little more risk to his game than others.
Zane Torre (RW, R, 6’1″, 201, Wenatchee Wild, 04/14/2008)
Game Rating
A-
1 Viewing
Comments: Torre scored a nice goal following up the rush, received a great pass in front of the net and buried home a one timer between the goalies legs. Torre does not have many goals on the season so it was good that he was able to get on the board earlier in the game. He does a good job at working the wall in the offensive zone. He is able to possess the puck for an extended period of time because of how well he can keep it pinned tight and either wait for support or switch sides with the puck. His open ice possession skills are not as dynamic which is why he uses the boards instead.
Aiden Grossklaus (RW, R, 5’11”, 181, Wenatchee Wild, 02/23/2007, Minnesota State)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Grossklaus was able to show tonight that he has good speed and enough strength to be difficult for defenders to knock off the puck, while also possessing the pace to create separation. At times, his decision making lags behind his feet, which limits his ability to fully capitalize on the space he creates. Still, his puck possession skills and speed give him the tools to be a self starter offensively. Defensively, he brings the speed, motor, and physicality to make an impact, but improving his awareness and urgency will be key to taking the next step.
Mason Kraft (LW, L, 5’9″, 174, Wenatchee Wild, 02/06/2007, Minnesota State)
Game Rating
A-
Kraft’s playing style is characterized by his quick movements and agility, allowing him to navigate small spaces with ease. He excels at finding opportunities to create scoring chances, often using his speed to get around defenders. On defense, Kraft demonstrates a keen sense of positioning, rarely getting caught out of place. However, he also tends to prioritize possession over physical battles for the puck, occasionally opting not to engage in corner fights.
1 Viewing
Comments: Kraft went in on a two on one where he was able to receive the back door pass, with a little space left at the net, and lift the puck over the sliding goaltenders blocker. The quick release and zero stick handles on the pass was the reason this puck was able to find the back of the net. Kraft is a dynamic winger who does a lot of things very well instead of one thing great. He is reliable in his own end and will battle to get the puck back despite clearly being more of an offensive weapon, he puts the time in to defend as well. If he can put on a little more size, his two way game is going to be that much more effective.
Nolan Caffey (F, R, 5’9″, 181, Wenatchee Wild, 10/23/2006)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Quick hands, in tight, snipe over the goalies shoulder, the way Caffey was able to score his goal tonight showed how skilled he is with the puck. A typical smaller forward who relies on speed and quickness, he makes himself visible with fast breaks off the rush and small area puck plays where he makes tiny spaces seem bigger. The knock on him was his inconsistency and after scoring the goal, this led to poor decisions making. Too many times he coughed up the puck in the offensive zone starting the other teams transition or held on to the puck for too long allowing the other team to close on him. He started out pretty well in the game but after scoring, his momentum seemed to shift.
Blake Vanek (RW, R, 6’2″, 204, Wenatchee Wild, 08/16/2007)
Game Rating
B
Vanek’s physical presence and skating ability are notable aspects of his game. He effectively uses his size to create space and drive into opponents, often opening up openings on the ice. START Vanek also demonstrates intelligence in his movement, finding opportunities to create time and space through clever positioning. This awareness allows him to control the puck while navigating around opponents. START Confidence with the puck is a strength for Vanek, but it sometimes leads to him prioritizing highlight-reel plays over more straightforward scoring chances.
1 Viewing
Comments: Vanek is an offensive weapon with time and space but he needs to figure out his game in his own end. He gets lost and looses his man during switches and extended possession for the other team. If he put as much energy into his defensive game as he does his offensive game, he would be much more of a complete player, for now, offense is his key. He was able to show by opening the scoring in tonight’s game trailing a late wave and banging home a rebound. Not really an impressive goal but Vanek knows where to go to find rewards and it is a massive reason why he has decent numbers so far this season.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images